Two early goals from AFC Bournemouth have put the visitors into a commanding 2-0 lead.

Town were dealt a blow before kick-off with goalkeeper Phil Smith forced to withdraw due to illness. Mark Scott, initially named on the bench, stepped up into the starting line-up.

The first goal arrived on just two minutes. After a decent build-up down the right, the ball was crossed in for the unmarked Josh McQuoid who slotted the ball home past Scott.

Article continues
Advertisement

The Swindon response saw Michael Pook head over from a Jack Winter cross, although it was Bournemouth who were firmly in control of the game. The lead was doubled on 13 minutes when an incisive ball through the middle saw Stephen Hutchings collect the ball and after brushing aside a challenge from Evans, slide the ball under Scott to make it 2-0.

Chris Allen saw a 20-yard drive superbly tipped over by Ryan Pryce in the Bournemouth goal and the keeper then saved well from a Paynter header on 24 minutes.

The last real chance of the half arrived six minutes before the break. A strong run from Kaid Mohamed saw the winger make good ground before hitting a 20 yard effort which was gathered at the second attempt by Pryce.

Half-Time: Town 0 AFCB 0

Town made a change shortly into the new half with Jack Winter being replaced at right-back by Nathan Thompson.

The first Swindon goal of the afternoon arrived on 58 minutes. A neat turn and shot from the striker inside the box saw the ball fired past Pryce to make it 2-1 with half an hour to play.

Chris Allen was soon on the scoresheet with the goal of the afternoon with a strike which would not have been out of place in the goal of the season standings. After a corner had been cleared, the ball fell to Allen who gained his composure before striking a left foot half-volley into the top corner of the net.

Kaid Mohamed then headed wide from a Sofiene Zaaboub cross before Ben Joyce was denied from close range by Pryce.

Swindon kept up their impressive second half showing with plenty of further chances. Ben Joyce went close again before being forced off through injury as he attempted to clip the ball past the onrushing Pryce.

Lloyd Macklin was then introduced into the action although was unable to help Town add to their tally with the encounter finishing at 2-2.

Full-time: Swindon Town Reserves 2 AFC Bournemouth Reserves 2

Swindon Town: Mark Scott; Jack Winter (Thompson), Tom Evans, Andy Nicholas (c), Callum Kennedy; Kaid Mohamed, Chris Allen, Michael Pook, Sofiene Zaaboub; Ben Joyce (Macklin), Billy Paynter